Muddy Creek Restoration Bridge Traffic Advisory

November 17, 2015

For More Information Contact:
Robert Duncanson, Ph.D. 
Director, Natural Resources Dept. 
Town of Chatham
508-945-5165
rduncanson@chatham-ma.gov

Christopher Clark
Town Administrator
Town of Harwich
508-430-7513
cclark@town.harwich.ma.us

For Immediate Release (Chatham, MA) – With utility relocations and other work associated with
construction of the Muddy Creek Restoration Bridge now underway, the Towns of Harwich and Chatham are providing updated information about anticipated traffic delays and detours affecting Route 28.

The temporary relocation of utilities, which started in October, will continue throughout November and December. Eversource, Verizon and National Grid will be installing temporary utility infrastructure during this time. These activities will require lane closures with alternating traffic and temporary detours that could last one to several days. The roadway will be open nights, weekends, and holidays. During this time the bridge contractor, MAS Building and Bridge, also will be undertaking site preparation activities.

The current schedule calls for the Contractor to locate equipment and begin excavation on January 4, 2016. At this time, Route 28 at the Muddy Creek Crossing will be closed to thru traffic for approximately sixteen weeks to allow for excavation of the existing roadway embankment, construction of the channel, installation of the bridge superstructure and paving. In accordance with MassDOT policy for state roads on Cape Cod, the project must be completed before Memorial Day 2016. It is expected that the road will be reopened to thru-traffic before that time.

Beginning January 4, 2016 Route 28 will be closed to all but local traffic between Training Field Road in Chatham and Bay Road in Harwich. During periods of road closure a detour route will be in effect.

Northbound (Chatham to Orleans) Route 28 traffic will be directed to Old Comers Road – Old Queen Anne Road – Church Street – Route 39 – Pleasant Bay Road (reverse for southbound traffic). Southbound traffic coming from South Orleans is encouraged to use Route 39 in lieu of Route 28.

Lighted message boards will be deployed in the vicinity of the site several days in advance of anticipated and detours. Detour signs will be posted along the approved detour route in keeping with the Traffic Management Plan approved by Massachusetts Department of Transportation and town Selectmen and public safety officials.

Lighted message boards will also be used at key intersections to encourage trucks
and thru-traffic to avoid Route 28 and use Route 39 when coming off of Pleasant Bay Road at Route 39, or when traveling south from South Orleans toward East Harwich and Chatham.

A map of the detour route is attached.